Winston-Salem · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Winston-Salem public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Prosperity Alliance Homes on City-Owned Lots
Two city-owned lots — 82 East Rhyne Avenue and one on Sides Road — would be developed with detached single-family homes by Prosperity Alliance, adding housing stock in the Southeast Ward.
Northeast Suburban Area Plan Adoption
The planning department introduced the new Northeast Suburban Area Plan, highlighting growth pressures along the beltway and challenges with sewer utility limitations.
Economic Development
Winston-Salem is hosting its 8th annual small business mixer on October 27 at the Benton Convention Center. It's a great chance for local entrepreneurs to link up directly with city departments and get the resources they need to grow.
Solid Waste Code Modernization and Fee Structure Updates
The city is updating Chapter 26 of the municipal code to reflect modern automated collection methods, establish clear container limits for commercial properties, and adjust civil penalties for illegal dumping and uncollected brush. These changes aim to improve operational efficiency and reduce missed collections while educating residents on proper cart placement.
Marshall Street Redevelopment Assistance
Developers behind the Marshall Street project asked for more time to finish their phased commercial and culinary hub, sparking a discussion among leaders about balancing community investments with tight city budgets.
Ram's Pointe Townhome Development and Extension
Efincia Companies requested a rezoning for an 81-unit townhome community on Sentry Point Lane. Nearby residents expressed strong concerns about increased stormwater runoff, backyard flooding, and the loss of local wildlife corridors.
Residential Subdivisions and Planned Residential Developments
Everly Development amended its previous townhome proposal into a 62-unit single-family neighborhood on Teague Road. Neighbors raised issues regarding floodplain accuracy, construction noise, and tree buffers.
Temporary Housing Development
Winston-Salem is looking to build a new temporary housing community with modular shelters to give unhoused folks a safe, private place to stay. Right now, the city is chasing federal funding for the project and taking public comments on its environmental footprint.
Idols Road Large-Scale Residential Rezoning
The county sought to rezone 167 acres on Idols Road from industrial to residential (RS15) to pave the way for a 360-home subdivision. Clemmons residents strongly objected, warning that severe traffic congestion on two-lane roads and flooding risks make the area unsuited for more homes.
Long Branch Trail Phase 3 Feasibility Study
The committee reviewed draft alignment concepts for extending the Long Branch Trail from 25th Street up to the Wake Forest University and fairgrounds area, evaluating four distinct corridors and various design trade-offs.
Rescission of HOME-ARP Funding Allocation
The city returned over $2.25 million in federal housing funds after programs with Step Up America fell through.
Demolition of 1955 Structure at 712 Chatham Road
The commission approved tearing down a 1955 house in the West End Historic Overlay District because it was built after the district's period of significance and lacked historic features.
Chatham Road Kennel Special Use Permit Approval
Stella's Rescue won approval for an outdoor dog enclosure on Chatham Road, overcoming loud objections from West End residents who feared relentless barking and smells.
Disposition of West Clemensville Road Park for Affordable Housing
The city proposed selling an undeveloped 4.9-acre park parcel to Prosperity Alliance for a nominal fee to build 33 affordable housing units. The planning board supported the transfer, noting the site has remained a vacant park for nearly 70 years.
Affordable Housing Construction Timelines and Transparency
The committee voted to expand the TURN housing rehabilitation program citywide with an 80% area median income limit to help homeowners fix code violations and prevent blight.
Manufactured Home Placements on Tyler Street and Otis Drive
The board reviewed and approved two separate requests to place Class A manufactured homes in established residential neighborhoods, ensuring they met UDO standards and compatibility guidelines.
Downtown Amphitheater Park Land Lease Extension
The city is planning a long-term lease of city-owned parkland at Crystal Towers Park to support backstage operations for a proposed downtown amphitheater. Because a long-term lease counts as conveying property, it requires a formal public hearing and review by the planning board before city council action.